Sexual dysfunction
Sex, sensuality and intimacy are an important part of any intimate relationship. It is the right of
every human being to love and be loved, to participated in sensual and intimate
activity. But there can sometimes be difficulties which professionals call ‘sexual dysfunction’.
There are four main areas of sexual dysfunction that affect both men and women:
-
desire disorders - lack of interest in having sex or participating in intimate activity. Such difficulties sometimes evolve due to desire differences between partners, when one of you is less interested in sex and/or intimacy than the other.
Having
an uncontrolled interest in sex is defined as 'hypersexuality' or 'compulsive
sexual behavior'. This disorder necessitates consultation with your doctor or neurologist and
may require changes in your medications.
-
arousal disorders - when you feel that you can't respond physically and emotionally to sexual stimulations or you get aroused but can’t sustain it. Men who have arousal disorders can experience difficulties in getting an erection suitable for intercourse. Others may get a good erection, but lose it before they reach their orgasm. These problems are known as ‘erectile dysfunction’. Medications and appropriate sexual counselling may solve erectile problems. Women
with arousal problems may have problems with lubrication but the use of lubricants
may enable them to experience intercourse.
-
orgasmic disorders - women who can't have an orgasm are said to have orgasmic difficulties, also known as ‘anorgasmic’ or ‘preorgasmic’. If men are unable to reach orgasm, this is known as ‘inhibited ejaculation’, 'delayed ejaculation' or ‘retarded ejaculation’. If they are unable to control their orgasm, and they come too soon, this is known as ‘premature ejaculation’ or ‘rapid ejaculation’.
Quite
often, medications used for treating depression and anxiety are associated with
orgasmic problems. Changing medications and sex therapy may assist with such difficulties.
-
sexual pain disorders - sexual pain disorders interfere with the ability to have penile-vaginal
intercourse. Consultation with a
gynecologist, increased effective sexual stimulation and the use of lubricants may
solve sexual pain problems.
What causes difficulties with sex, sensuality and intimacy?
Difficulties with sex, sensuality and intimacy, can occur for many reasons such as:
- medical conditions, such diabetes, high blood pressure or hormonal changes
- medications, such as antidepressants and Parkinson's medications
- alcohol or drug abuse
- vaginal infections
-
depression, anxiety, unhappy relationships, negative sexual experience in the past or present
- temporary changes in sexual activity due to major life events such
as divorce, menopause, childbirth, death of a loved one, chronic disease and retirement
- burn-out and a stressful life -
job dissatisfaction or being tired as a result of a heavy workload or
looking after your family - can affect the ability to initiate or
perform sexual activity and may reduce your desire for sex.
